Queen Elizabeth accepts medical advice to rest, cancels Northern Ireland trip

In this file photo taken on June 11, 2021, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she attends an event in celebration of The Big Lunch initiative at The Eden Project, near St Austell in southwest England. | Getty

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for a few days and has canceled a trip to Northern Ireland, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday.

The palace didn’t offer specifics on the decision, but says the 95-year-old monarch is “in good spirits,’’ and disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland for engagements Wednesday and Thursday.

“The Queen sends her warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland, and looks forward to visiting in the future,’’ the palace said.

She is resting at Windsor Castle, where she has stayed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

In this file photo taken on October 14, 2021 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is shown using a walking stick during her arrival to attend the ceremonial opening of the sixth Senedd, in Cardiff, Wales.

The decision comes just days after Elizabeth was seen using a walking stick at a major public event when attending a Westminster Abbey service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion, an armed forces charity.

She had previously been photographed using a cane in 2003, but that was after she underwent knee surgery.

The queen, who was widowed this year, still keeps a busy schedule of royal duties. On Tuesday, she held audiences with diplomats and hosted a reception at Windsor Castle for global business leaders.